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Mansukh Mandaviya

Sports Regulatory Board Aims to Ensure Governance, Not Interference: Mansukh Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the government’s intent to enhance governance in sports while maintaining the autonomy of national federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). His remarks come as the Union Government plans to introduce the draft National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament, with the establishment of a Sports Regulatory Board as a key feature. Key Features of the Draft Bill: Regulatory Authority: The Board will oversee the granting, renewal, and suspension of affiliations for the IOA and national sports federations. Composition: A five-member body comprising one Khel Ratna and one Dronacharya awardee, chaired by the Secretary (Sports), and including the Director-General of the Sports Authority of India as an ex-officio member. Mandatory Disclosures: Annual public disclosures by the national Olympic committee, national sports federations, and the national paralympic committee. Concerns Over Autonomy: IOA president P.T. Usha expressed reservations, warning that the Board’s overarching powers might be perceived as government interference, potentially inviting suspension by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Minister Mandaviya acknowledged Usha’s concerns but clarified: “We don’t want to interfere but cannot leave things unattended. It is our responsibility to ensure transparency and adherence to international regulations.” He further stressed the need for consensus and alignment with IOC guidelines to avoid suspension risks. Recent Interventions: Highlighting the necessity of governmental involvement, Mandaviya cited his intervention to ensure Indian wrestlers’ participation in a world championship. This was after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) withdrew entries due to legal disputes. “If we hadn’t stepped in, our wrestlers would have missed a global opportunity. Such situations require responsible oversight,” he noted. Next Steps: While Mandaviya refrained from providing a specific timeline for the Bill’s introduction, he assured that it would be a “mature and balanced” legislation aimed at fostering transparency and excellence in Indian sports. As the debate continues, the proposed Sports Regulatory Board stands as a pivotal step in reshaping the governance framework for Indian sports while safeguarding its global standing. Source: The Hindu Photo Credit: The Hindu

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Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Leads Discussions on Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024

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Governance reforms, athlete welfare, and transparency in administration were the main points of discussion during a consultation meeting on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024. The meeting, chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, took place on Thursday and involved key stakeholders, including Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P. T. Usha, representatives from National Sports Federations (NSFs), and National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs). Mandaviya emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “The Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 is a milestone in our mission to build a robust and transparent sports governance structure in India that aligns with international standards, including the Olympic and Paralympic Charter. The active involvement of stakeholders and the public is essential for shaping policies that reflect the aspirations of our sports community.” The minister outlined the key reforms proposed in the draft, which include empowering athlete-centric federations, introducing a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes’ rights, and establishing an Appellate Sports Tribunal to address disputes. These measures aim to elevate athletes and strengthen India’s global position in the sporting world. The consultation saw active participation from various NSFs, NSPOs, and the IOA, with many appreciating the proposal to relax age and tenure caps for sports administrators. The draft bill proposes that office bearers of NSFs, including presidents, secretaries, and treasurers, can continue in their roles beyond the age of 70 if they have not completed their tenures. This move was widely regarded as a positive step toward improving the governance of Indian sports. “The minister said it’s a proactive and good step from our side to work in close coordination with all for the good of Indian sports,” a source at the meeting revealed. Other key issues discussed included safeguarding athlete rights, streamlining the operations of sports bodies, and enhancing India’s standing on the global sports stage. Mandaviya assured stakeholders that their suggestions would be carefully considered in refining the draft bill. The proposed reforms signal a significant shift toward a more transparent and athlete-friendly sports governance model in India. However, the ministry did not disclose the specific suggestions made by the stakeholders during the meeting. This consultation marks an important step in shaping the future of sports governance in the country, with the Draft National Sports Governance Bill 2024 expected to have far-reaching impacts on Indian sports. Source: Business Standard

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Finance Says No to Health Request for $10-Million Fund to Meet G20 Pledge

The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), launched during India’s G20 Presidency, remains unfunded by India despite a $10-million pledge. This initiative, a key deliverable from the Health Ministers’ meeting in Gujarat on August 19 last year, was part of the New Delhi declaration. The GIDH, formally initiated on February 20, 2024, by then Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, is still awaiting India’s promised contribution. The delay stems from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance, which has not approved the contribution despite India’s commitment. The GIDH, managed by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to support national digital health transformations within a framework that respects data protection regulations. A source from the Health Ministry indicated the proposal is “under consideration,” but the DEA had previously rejected the request in July 2023 without specifying reasons. The DEA suggested that India should offer technical support instead of financial contributions to avoid creating “committed liabilities.” Despite this setback, the Permanent Mission of India (PMI) to the UN recommended making a “substantial financial commitment” to the GIDH in November 2023. Highlighting India’s role as a leader in digital health, the Health Ministry, with approval from the Health Minister, reconsidered the contribution. In comparison, Indonesia contributed $50 million to establish the Presidency Prevention, Preparedness Response (PPR) Financial Intermediary Fund (FIF) during its G20 Presidency. As Brazil currently heads the G20 Presidency, the GIDH remains a priority within the health sector.

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India Offers 42 Cancer Medicines at Affordable Rates Out of 90: Health Minister Mandaviya

India’s Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that out of the 90 available cancer medicines, India offers 42 at the most affordable rates. He made this statement during the launch of “Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer,” a collaborative effort involving the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News18 Network, and Tata Trusts. Mandaviya highlighted the government’s commitment to improving cancer care by expanding cancer hospitals and tertiary care facilities. He stressed the holistic approach to healthcare, noting the increase in medical seats, colleges, and educational resources for healthcare professionals. The minister also mentioned the Ayushman Bharat health infrastructure mission and the recent launch of the pharmaceutical policy, reinforcing India’s role as a global provider of generic medicines. Mandaviya emphasized that healthcare should not be politicized or commercialized but viewed as a service to the nation. He discussed how health and development were integrated in 2014 to make healthcare accessible to all citizens. He credited collective efforts and shared responsibility for India’s successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding the “Sanjeevani” initiative, Mandaviya explained its purpose in raising awareness, facilitating discussions about the cancer epidemic, and addressing common fears associated with the disease. He encouraged public participation, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder consultation in India’s healthcare model. The minister also acknowledged the vital role played by the country’s one million “Asha behen” (community health workers), who collect crucial healthcare data during family visits. Mandaviya highlighted the government’s approach to cancer care, including health and wellness screenings at district-level hospitals and fee waivers for economically disadvantaged patients. He attributed the affordability of cancer medicines in India to the fixed trade margin, which aims to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

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UP Medical Colleges to Offer Organ Donation Facilities by 2024: Health Minister

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that by the end of 2024, medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh will be equipped with organ donation facilities. During an organ donation event on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Mandaviya revealed plans to establish the infrastructure needed for organ retrieval and transplantation in these medical institutions. Additionally, financial support will be provided to enhance these facilities. During the organ donation program, more than 8,000 individuals pledged to donate their organs and officially registered in the National Organ Donation Registry. Mandaviya also inaugurated a specialized wing at Sarojini Naidu Medical College (SNMC), emphasizing the benefits it would bring to residents of Agra and nearby districts by offering accessible healthcare services. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare S P Singh Baghel stressed the importance of organ donation in saving lives and called for increased awareness on the topic. Local residents in Agra demonstrated significant interest in the organ donation program, with some sharing their certificates on social media to raise awareness. On Prime Minister Modi’s birthday, the Health Ministry will launch the ‘Ayushman Bhav’ campaign as part of the ‘Seva Pakhwada,’ which begins on Sunday and concludes on October 2nd. This campaign comprises three components: Ayushman Apke Dwar 3.0, Ayushman Melas at Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Ayushman Sabhas in every village and panchayat. Its aim is to ensure the effective delivery of healthcare schemes to all intended beneficiaries, including those in remote areas.

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Indian citizens and students are now eligible for a booster shot, according to the health minister

People travelling overseas can now get Covid booster shots if they need them, according to the Center. This follows NTAGI’s recommendation to reduce the time between the second and third shots for persons travelling abroad. “Indian citizens & students travelling overseas can now take the precaution dose as required by the guidelines of the destination country.” Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya wrote on Twitter. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) said on Wednesday that those who want to go overseas can shorten the nine-month gap between the second and booster doses of the covid-19 vaccine, as required by the government. The recommendation was later forwarded to the Union Health ministry. Several requests for the precaution dose of Covid vaccine have been received by the Centre in recent months from people who need to travel abroad for work, business, admission to foreign educational institutes, participation in sports events, and bilateral and multilateral meetings as part of India’s official delegation. “The issue was discussed in a meeting of NTAGI held last week after which it recommended that those who need to travel overseas can take the booster shot, before the stipulated nine-month waiting period, as per the booster guidelines of the country they are travelling to,” a source told PTI. Meanwhile, NTAGI is meeting again this week to analyse data for covid-19 immunisation of children aged 5 to 12 years old and to finalise vaccination protocols. The results of the last two meetings were inconclusive, with NTAGI experts remaining sceptical of the paediatric data available for vaccination. Source: Mint

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